BA (Hons) Fine Art lecturers have recognised Ellie Cutmore as the winner of The Barbara Hackwood Prize for Outstanding Creative Development 2023. This award is given to the student who has shown the most progress and development during their three academic years with us. It bears the name of Barbara Hackwood who was a much-loved member of staff at the Northern School of Art.

Ellie was awarded this special award because “Half-way through the course this student decided to stop painting the Urban Landscape and instead specialise in photographing the Urban Landscape. In the time since she has worked very hard to both master the technical complexities of the camera and the printing of photographs, and has developed a beautifully presented, very strong, very well contextualised visual language in that medium.”

We caught up with Ellie regarding her practice, time at the school and her future steps:

• Why did you choose to study at The Northern School of Art?

I chose to study at The Northern School of Art as the North East is slowly becoming an art hotspot for young emerging artists and it is the only dedicated arts college in the north, whilst taking advantage of being close to home I knew that the opportunities I took during my studies, I would be able to continue with after graduation. I knew from attending the first open day when I was 17 that this was the place I wanted to study from meeting staff and touring the campus. 

• What’s your favourite memory of your time at the School (academically as well as socially!)

Overall it has been such a great experience at the school that it’s hard to choose just one favourite memory of mine. But if I had to choose one it would be the end of year Film Festival ran by the students on Film, TV and Theatre production. Over the last 2 years of my studies, I have been involved in some of the making of the films for the festival and it’s always the best time to see these films on the big screen and celebrating with friends. 

• What are you doing next and what are your plans/ambitions for the future?

I am hoping to stay at The Northern School of Art to complete a masters in Arts Practice to continue refining my practice and to springboard me into the industry. 

• Any advice for future students applying for the same course as you?

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there to network and meet other people, attend SU events and have the best time you possibly can while studying. Most importantly make the work you want to make! 

You can see more of Ellies work on her instagram: @elliecutmore.art

If you are interested in studying BA (Hons) Fine Art, click here to find out the course details and apply!